Anyone know much about, or tried the fruit graviola / guanabana / soursop?

[LouieB123]

Morning all,

Quick one.. so mums going in for biopsy this week due to the recurrence on the lining of the bowel, her and my Dad are in a bit of a frenzy as you can imagine, Dads bought this fruit having been told about it. I have read some incredible things about it killing cancer cells, however I’ve also read there also hasn’t been any medical research into its affect in humans, and it can also actually cause some health problems..?

Would love to hear if anyone has given it a go!

Laura xx

[Lyndy]

Sadly there are many charlatans out there willing to take money from people who are worried and desperate to find cures. I haven’t heard of this one but anything that sounds to good to be true…is just that. Happily, we have science and if your Mum is having a relapse she will be offered more chemo and potentially a maintenance treatment depending on what she’s had before. I have a lot of sympathy for your Dad, I wish there was a fruit that cured cancer but there isn’t xx

[LouieB123 in reply to Lyndy]

Hi Lyndy, Thanks for your reply ❤️

Checked it out on cancer research etc this morning, it says that there is evidence that this fruit does kill cancer cells, but not enough research has been done yet and it could also bring about other side affects and do things like lower blood pressure. I just don’t want her to take anything or do anything that may interfere with treatment etc.. but then it is consumed in many countries by people, so not sure how likely it is to bring about issues.

She’s in for biopsy this week and looking like bowel surgery. Thanks for your reply as always, Laura Xx

[Lovedogs41]

Hi

I personally think it’s worth trying,why not? As long as you check that it doesn’t interact with anything else she may be taking and do your research.I think we should try anything we want to,it’s our bodies and our lives on the line,not our oncologist’s! [edited by moderator] x

[LouieB123 in reply to Lovedogs41]

Hi Lovedogs41, thanks for your reply. At first I was a bit unsure about it, but to be honest I tend to agree with you… so long as it’s not interfering with treatment then can it do any harm.. thanks gif your reply xx

[Kayadiana]

Canceractive (charity which covers research and gives an informed opinion on it) has a short article on graviola/soursop. The conclusion I reached was that it might well be helpful, but that it had drawbacks (canceractive mentions harm to the microbiome from long-term use). Your mum will probably have a second round of chemo or another medication, which will also affect the microbiome, so, short term it’s probably not a concern for your mum.There are other natural substances I use that have more positive research eg curcumin, berberine, There aren’t any ‘magic bullets’, but there’s a lot of research on using natural substances to help fight it. I suggest, as a first step, you or your dad read the articles on the canceractive website, especially the ones that cover getting better results from chemo - helped me get a far better response than the oncologist expected.

I really do sympathise with your fears - my bowel is playing up at the moment and, although my ca125 has stayed steady, a recurrence is constantly on my mind. Best of luck to your mum

[Realistic]

Laura, l did try this fruit early this year got it from a freezer shop in Tenerife apprantley it was the pulp of the fruit. Had it as a drink its hardly any taste maybe because it was frozen l had it as a drink not a lot of taste in it to be honest. But ld heard glowing reports about the fruit, its seasonal apprantley l couldn't get it and if you can, l believe it very expensive if you can buy it.Id heard if was very beneficial in the fight against cancer, but l honestly wouldn't like to say.

I.mixed the pulp of the fruit with water, not sure l'd take it again not that its got much taste it hasn’t. Think l will stick to my Turmeric. But good luck if you want to try it. Love & hugs SheilaFxxx

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hi there LouieB123

Thank you for your question about graviola. I can see that several forum members have shared their thoughts and experiences which I hope has been helpful.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre have a database called About Herbs, providing information for patients and healthcare professionals about different herbs, botanicals and supplements in relation to cancer and cancer treatment. Their page on graviola may be of interest to you and can be found here: mskcc.org/cancer-care/integ...

Cancer Research UK also have some information about graviola on their websire: cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

It's really important that your mum’s medical team are aware of any supplements or other complementary treatments being used, in case of any drug interactions or other contraindications. We also encourage anyone planning to purchase any herbal products or dietary supplements to buy from a reputable supplier. There is more information on this in this British Dietetic Association factsheet: bda.uk.com/resource/supplem...

I hope this information is useful. We are here to support anyone affected by ovarian cancer, including families of those diagnosed with the disease, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us with any further questions, or if there’s anything we may be able to help with. You can call us on 0800 008 7054, email [e-mail] or message us directly through this forum if you prefer. We’re here Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm, to respond to questions, provide relevant information resources or just have a friendly chat.

Best wishes

Annie – Ovacome support

[Kblaisel]

I bought the fruit at Whole Foods. It is expensive and you’re not supposed to eat the seeds. My daughter in law who is from Colombia told me about it. Her mother is a nurse in Colombia who also recommended it. Apparently many cancer patients there consume it as part of their protocol. I now take graviola supplements (pills) alternating every other month with artemisinin.